HI
Does anyone use brushes for LS Supreme. I did not do well with the spatula which I did not have and used a 1/4 inch chisel-too thin and got too much on. The knitting needle suggested in the directions did not work well for me either.

Overall, I though the LS Supreme introduced many bubbles just from the syringes used to measure it. Any ideas?

Thanks
John Kepka

I have always used brushes for apply LS Supreme. One thing I did was purchase the adapta-caps for the bottles to use with the syringes. One other thing as far as bubbles go, it does seem best to spread the epoxy on a plate covered in aluminum foil to help get rid of the bubbles.

I use soft ox-hair brushes and do fine. Ralph will tell you to use a spatula (and will show you how in Charlotte).

Syringes will not introduce bubbles if you fill them properly. The only way they can introduce bubbles is if you get air in them, which you shouldn't do. Keep the tips submerged in the resin or hardener and withdraw the plunger slowly. Dispense slowly as well.


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John,
I used to use brushes with LS supreme and now have switched over to applying it with regular playing cards. This was a tip that I picked up here, and I have to say that it works great. That finish is really thin, and it is very easy to apply too much. The playing card can be trimmed to any width that you want.

One thing that I do with LS is apply it and let the rod turn for about an hour. Then I go back and reapply the partially set and thicker LS to the larger guides where the thread always shows through afther the first coat. A card trimmed almost as wide as the wrap help you level out the thickened finish. Saves a day.

I got the bubbles when I emptied the syringes into the mixing dish. Aluminun foil molded over plastic cups.

john kepka

Why not just use the plastic cup? Maybe the bubbles are coming from the introduction of air due to the folds in the aluminum foil?

If you are getting bubbles in it when emptyong the syringes, you have to be @#$%& air into the syringes.

I drill a small hole in the bottle caps of the LS just big enough for the dyringe tip[s to fit tightly. Completly depress the plunger, turn the bottle upside down and draw the LS in to the syringe then put into a plastic cup or shot glass to mix. Works great and you NEVER have to clean the syringes. When done I just stick the syringe back ito the cap and draw the syringe up a little (I have no idea why). Very quick and easy and there is NO mess or cleanup. When I open new cars, I just switch caps. I have been using the same caps/syringes for at least half a dozen large bottles now.

The reason for pouring the mixed finish out on foil is to lengthen pot life and to let the bubbles escape on their own. Blowing on any bubbles will also cause them to quickly burst. One of the best things about LS is that bubbles are not a problem.

Mike

I figured if I used a molded foil then all I needed to do was to spread it out on a plastic lid and I did not need new piece of foil.

I use the throw away Flex Coat brushes just because I have hundreds of them, but the softer bristle art brushes do a better job. If you get bubbles coming out of the syringe, you've got bubbles going into the syringe. And that means the mixture won't be 50-50. Use the hole in the cap or adapta caps method and leave the syringes in the bottle. I love LS, and find that when the directions are followed, it works very well..

If the plastic cup is small just use that to mix in. Pour the mixture onto the foil. One of the reasons to mix and apply from different dishes is to ensure that when you apply the finish to the rod is a true mix of the 2 parts, and not just resin or hardener that has clung to the side of the mixing container. That will cause a whole other set of problems. The smooth side of the cup will be less likely to introduce air while you mix it.

WOW!! I just re read my post!! Not enough coffee, I guess (or my wife switched some of the keys on the keyboard!!)

BTW, I'm with Bob! I usually apply lengthwise with a brush, but I always use a playing card cut to size, held against the turning rod to level and remove excess. It works great

Mike

Two things with syringe use. Always make sure the intake end is below the level of your liquids to reduce the possibility of air entering when you "suck up".

When you depress the syringe to put the parts into your dish, don't ram the plunger home either. That force will make the incoming liquid drive home to the bottom of your "pool". As it is driven home, it will create bubbles since it allows air to reach the bottom along the sides of the fluid jet, much like the way water does when you fill a glass. Submerge the tip into your mix as soon as it gets deep enough and depress slowly.

A trick I use with the 2 part clear coat finish I use for certain crafts is a "pancake" stir. Instead of round and round stirring, I "flip" the mess back onto itself. I've found this helps reduce bubbles as well.

I use brushes when I use this and a piece of cardstock to smooth it out. Works like the playing card. As for my knitting needles, several pairs are currently holding knitting projects.

(Mail just arrived, no Kirkman book yet. I knew I should have paid for Express shipping.)

Hope this helps with the bubbles.

Cindy